The Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30

Introduction. An understanding of parables is essential if one is to understand the teaching of Jesus, since the parables make up approximately 35 percent of his recorded sayings. At no point are the vitality, relevance, and appropriateness of his teaching so clear as they are in his parables. While the parable form is not unique to Jesus, he was certainly a master at using parables as a way of teaching. The parables are not merely illustrations for Jesus’ preaching; they are the preaching, at least to a great extent. Nor are they simple stories; they have been truly described as both “works of art” and “weapons of warfare.” How one interprets the parables is not as easy a task as one might think. The way one understands the nature of a parable and the essence of Jesus’ message obviously will determine the method and content of interpretation.

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Parable,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1606

Jesus compares the farm to the kingdom of God. In Christian community, we take on the position of both the workers and the crops.

Jesus says that both the farm and the kingdom are a mixture of the good and the bad mingled together.

While the workers are sleeping, the cruel and cowardly enemy comes and sows weeds, or tares, among the good seeds.

What’s crazy about wheat and tares is that in their earliest stages they look strikingly similar.

Since the servants did not see the enemy, they questioned the Master.

The Master proves to them what we already know: Sometimes the good looks bad while the bad can disguise itself as good.

Don’t kill the crops before you know what they are.

Wheat and tares do not just grow up near each other, they grow up with each other. Their roots are intertwined.

If we just wait we will find out what they really are.

Don’t worry: The harvest is coming.

At the harvest, the Master will handle the separating.